Drinking Water

Water is the most important nutrient and good-quality water must be available to the birds
at all times. Only in special cases (e.g., prior to vaccine delivery through the drinking
water), should drinking water be restricted, and then only for a short time and under
careful monitoring.

Monitoring drinking-water intake

Water and feed consumption are directly related—when birds drink less water, they
consume less feed, and production quickly declines accordingly. As a general rule,
healthy adult birds will consume twice as much water as feed, although the ratio
increases during periods of warm weather. The installation and use of water meters in
each house or barn is recommended to monitor the flock's water intake on a daily basis.
Such daily water-intake records can be used as an early warning of problems in the flock.

*Chart shows an expected range of water consumption at normal

environmental temperatures for bird comfort (21-27°C or 70-81°F). At
higher temperatures (32-38°C or 90-100°F) water consumption may
increase up to double the amounts shown.
Drinking-water quality
Suggested maximum mineral concentrations as well as a suggested range of pH for
drinking water are shown in the table below. In addition, nitrites (NO 2²) and bacterial
contamination should be minimized (Lesson and Summers, 2005). In some cases, high
concentrations of certain minerals (e.g., sodium, Na) in the drinking water should lead to
corresponding changes in the dietary compostition to avoid excessive mineral intakes.

Suggested maximum concentrations of selected minerals in drinking water

(Leeson and Summers, 2005).
Literature Cited
1. Leeson, S., and J. D. Summers. 2005. Commercial Poultry Production. 3rd
ed. University Books, Guelph, ON.